Wilco Kelderman proved that he is a real podium candidate in this year's Giro d'Italia when he rode a great first mountain stage of the Italian grand tour to take third ahead of all the pre-race favourites. Having crashed three times in the first week of the race, the Dutchman was pleased to see his body respond so well to the hard climbing.

Wilco Kelderman of Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM dashed to third in Saturday's climbing stage and moved up to seventh overall at the 2014 Giro d'Italia. Kelderman rode into the front group of GC favourites in the 179km eighth stage from Foligno to Montecopiolo in the Giro's first real climbing stage. Italian Diego Ulissi attacked late to win his second stage, while Kelderman countered with 250 meters to go to claim third. 

"I was feeling really good. You never know how the body reacts in the first mountain stage, but the sprint was also good. I was third. That was a great result for me," Kelderman said. "Of course, it's good for the confidence. I was a bit lucky that I did not have any serious injuries in my crashes this week. Some of the other guys were not so lucky, but the damage is not so bad for me. The legs are still really good. I hope it will continue tomorrow, and in the coming weeks." 
 

Cadel Evans claims the race leader's pink jersey, with Kelderman slotting into seventh at 1:44 back. Kelderman also moved into fourth in the young rider's white jersey competition, 34 seconds behind Rafal Majka. 

"It was a very good day. Wilco had three crashes in the first week, so his body needs some extra energy to recover. You never know how the body reacts on the first mountain stage," said Belkin Sports Director Frans Maassen. "We were really happy to see him responding well. It was a great ride today." 

The third-place is Kelderman's best grand tour result so far in his career, and his third top-10 placing through the first week of the 2014 Giro. Belkin started with the goal of pushing Kelderman into the top-10 overall, and so far, despite some heavy crashes involving several Belkin riders, the team is reaching its goals. 

"Wilco was right there with the big stars. It gives a lot of confidence to him, and to the others on the team," Maassen continued. "To see Wilco there with the front group will motivate everyone for the coming days. We can be happy about today." 

The other Belkin riders made it safely through the stage, but Steven Kruijswijk was suffering from injuries sustained in Thursday's big crash. Maassen said the team would discuss his situation following Sunday's stage. 

The 97th Giro continues Sunday with the 172km ninth stage from Foligno to Sestola, which finishes atop a second-category climb. It could be an ideal finale for Kelderman, who has a very strong kick on mountaintop finishes.